The Best Mineral Sunscreens – 2024 Edition

Regardless of the season, I wear sunblock practically every day and truly believe it to be the holy grail of any skincare routine. So if, you too, are slightly obsessed about protecting your skin from the sun or just simply looking for some good recommendations, keep on reading to discover which mineral-based SPF moisturizes I purchase on the regular.

Before we get to my recommendations, here’s a quick refresher regarding the ins-and-outs of sunscreen.

SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor.
An SPF number indicates how well it protects skin from UVB rays.
UVB rays cause sunburns. It’s important to know that sunburns can develop into skin cancer.
UVA rays cause skin damage in the form of tanning, wrinkles, and aging.
PA ratings indicate how well a product protects against UVA rays.
Broad-Spectrum sunblocks are always best because they protect against both UVB & UVA rays.
Mineral sunblocks are also known as physical sunscreens. They sit on top of the skin and bounce UV light off and away from the body.
Chemical sunscreens absorb into the skin, convert UV light into heat, and then release said heat from the body.
In addition to wearing a broad-spectrum sunblock & remembering to reapply it throughout the day, it’s important to know that hats, long sleeve shirts, long pants, and minimal exposure to the sun are the other simple and effective ways you can protect your skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet light.
If you have a serious skin condition or any health concerns, always consult your dermatologist or doctor about which sun protection products are best for you.

Now that we’re caught up on the facts, let’s talk products! I’ve gone ahead and listed my top picks in order of price this year.

UNDER $20.00

NATIVE – Mineral Face Lotion

My Thoughts: I’m a big fan of this product. The formula is ultra lightweight, unscented, and feels like a real moisturizer when applied. The lotion leaves a subtle matte finish and wears nicely under my loose powder makeup. It also comes in a convenient, pump style bottle. Due to its matte finish, Native’s sunscreen might not have enough of a moisturizing element for those living in arid climates. Otherwise, it’s a great product for daily use and is perfect for both normal, combination, and oiler complexions.
White / Purple Cast: None! It blends in quite quickly.
Broad-Spectrum SPF: 30
Water-Resistant: No
Active Ingredient: Zinc Oxide 20%
Price: $16.00 for 1.7 oz
EWG Rating: 1
Target Clean: Yes, indeed!

RAW ELEMENTS – Face + Body Sunscreen

My Thoughts: I have known about Raw Elements for quite some time, but finally decided to give it a try two years ago. Compared to the other sunblocks on this list, the formula is definitely thicker, but the texture is ultra creamy and smooth with no mattifying effects. I love this product because it leaves my skin feeling completely moisturized and hydrated. For these reasons, this sunblock is ideal for cold weather conditions, arid climates, use under makeup, days spent in the water, and those with drier complexions. Last but not least, it comes in an eco friendly tin & has a lovely herbal scent. If you are sensitive to rosemary oil, this sunscreen may not be for you. However, if you love the scent of rosemary – please give this natural sunblock a try because it really is quite perfect in my opinion. And if this stuff couldn’t get any better, Raw Elements donates to 1% For The Planet and makes all of their products in the USA.
White / Purple Cast: It has a slight purple cast at first but blends in quickly leaving a sheer finish.
Broad-Spectrum SPF: 30
Water-Resistant: Yes
Active Ingredient: Non Nano Zinc Oxide 23%
Price: $19.49 for 3.0 oz
EWG Rating: 1
Target Clean: Yes, indeed!
DISCOUNT: Use code HILA10 to save 10% Off your purchase.
FUN FACT: Raw Elements also makes a variety of SPF 50 products that I am very eager to try.

UNDER $30.00

COCOKIND – Daily SPF

My Thoughts: I love a two-in-one product, and this Cocokind physical sunscreen is just that. This wonder of a lotion protects my skin from the sun and moisturizes my face all at the same time. The formula is unscented and full of phytoplankton which helps protect skin from photoaging and the negative effects of blue light. The product is a touch mattifying so I believe this sunscreen is better suited for oilier complexions and use under liquid foundation.
White / Purple Cast: This starts off with a slight white cast but quickly absorbs into my skin and disappears after 10-20 seconds.
Broad-Spectrum SPF: 32
Active Ingredient: Zinc Oxide 21%
Price: $25.00 for 1.7 oz
EWG Rating: Unrated
Target Clean: Yes, indeed!

UNDER $40.00

Please note that the following product is not a moisturizer but a fabulous, mineral-powdered sunscreen that I wear over my makeup when reapplying a lotion just isn’t an option.

BRUSH ON BLOCK – Translucent Mineral SPF Powder Sunscreen

My Thoughts: I use my Brush On Block so often that one of my oldest friends bought me a new one for my birthday last year. She clearly knows what I like! If you wear makeup and are in the sun often, this translucent mineral SPF powder is a true game changer! The applicator is slender, and the powder comes out nicely. I keep this product in my purse and use it often during days spent out in the sun. It’s also worth mentioning that my boyfriend really loves this stuff as well because he doesn’t have to get traditional sunscreen all over his hands. Oh and let’s not forget that Brush On Block is water resistant up to 80 minutes, reef-friendly, and perfect for your scalp, neck, and the back of your hands as well. I genuinely love this powdered sunscreen and cannot recommend it enough! They also have a handy dandy refill cartridge.
Broad-Spectrum SPF: 30 PA+++
Water-Resistant: Yes
Active Ingredient: Titanium Dioxide 15% and Zinc Oxide 12%
White / Purple Cast: None! It’s slightly tinted but blends into skin instantly.
Price: $34.00 for 0.12 oz
FUN FACT: Brush on Block recently came out with two, higher SPF products that I am very excited to try. Here is the link to their newest bundle that I will probably be purchasing later this month: Brush On Block SPF 50-50 Duo 🙂 Enjoy!!

UNDER $50.00

SUNTEGRITY – Natural Moisturizing Face Sunscreen & Primer

My Thoughts: My favorite thing about this clean sunscreen is the amazing citrusy, bright scent. I swear it smells just like orange juice! The texture is excellent, and the formula works wonderfully under my loose powder makeup. Suntegrity also sells a separate refill so you don’t have to keep purchasing the pump which is an excellent way to both save money and cut down on waste.
White / Purple Cast: This leaves a slight purple cast on my skin, but it completely disappears under my makeup.
Broad-Spectrum SPF: 30
Active Ingredient: Zinc Oxide 20%
Price: $48.00 for 1.7oz
EWG Rating: 2

UNDER $60.00

URSA MAJOR – Force Field SPF 30

My Thoughts: I have completely fallen in love with this SPF moisturizer! The formula is lightweight, incredibly hydrating, and perfect for daily use under makeup. In addition to the zinc oxide that blocks the sun, Force Field contains Lingonberry Stem Cells and Eldoc Flower which both help to improve skin texture. Every time I apply this moisturizer, I feel like a million bucks. It’s that good! And yes, this SPF is indeed a touch pricey but in my opinion, it’s well worth the cost. I think it’s also worth mentioning that Ursa Major is a Certified B Corp and Certified Plastic Negative via their partnership with rePurpose Global. They are continuously striving to make their products as sustainable as possible which is why I love their company and their glass bottle packaging so much.
White / Purple Cast: None! This magic formula blends into my darker skin almost instantly.
Broad-Spectrum SPF: 30
Water-Resistant: No
Active Ingredient: Non Nano Zinc Oxide 14.95%
Price: $58.00 for 1.7oz

UNDER $70.00

HYNT BEAUTY – Sun Prep

My Thoughts: I have been using this product for a few years and absolutely love it as a morning moisturizer under my makeup. The scent is fruit forward and slightly sweet. The formula has an excellent, ultralight texture that blends seamlessly into my skin. My only gripe is that I wish it had a touch higher SPF since I spend a lot of time outside. However, for days in the office – Sun Prep is my go-to product. It’s a bit pricey but so amazing that I’ve purchased it 4 times since first discovering this product back in 2019.
White / Purple Cast: Absolutely none! This formula is a godsend because it requires zero rubbing in and as a result, zero worry about a cast.
Broad-Spectrum SPF: 25
Active Ingredient: Titanium Dioxide 9%
Price: $65.00 for 1.7 oz

I hope you enjoyed this year’s list of mineral-based, sunscreen recommendations. Please let me know if you have any questions in the comments below. I’d also love to hear which clean, sunscreens you enjoy using the most. Until then…